The International Federation of Spirits Producers stated that counterfeit alcohol leads to an estimated Euro 600 million to 900 ($1 Billion median) annual loss [1]. The sales of counterfeit vodka bottles in Russia alone is estimated to be $3.3 Billion (101 Billion Rubles) [2]. High percentages of methanol are often found in bootleg alcohol. In fact, the content can be up to 4-5%, which is enough to render the consumer blind or even worse...it is estimated that around 1,000 people die each year as a result of drinking bootleg alcohol [3]. In 2008, 1,069 people died from drinking counterfeit alcohol in the city of Moscow alone [4]. 

An even more profitable counterfeit market targets the food industry.  According to the World Customs Institute, the fake food industry is worth about $49 billion a year and includes everything from fish to boxed juice.  The problem also appears to be growing, with European Union Customs reported a 200% increase in food-related counterfeit seizures over the past several years [5].